Last updated on June 13th, 2024
Produce Marketing Association opened registration for the 2021 Foodservice Conference and Expo taking place in Monterey, California from July 21-22.
With a compact schedule, this year’s conference will deliver on the things that matter most to an industry segment that was especially hit hard during the pandemic: innovative ideas, old friends and new connections in person.
The year of 2021 will mark the 40th anniversary of the conference dedicated to providing a meeting place for industry members along the foodservice supply chain to make new partnerships and share ideas. PMA has released the schedule, which includes general session, Foodservice Insights and Innovations to Thrive.
After a welcoming message, Robert Danhi, executive chef and CEO of Chef Danhi & Co., will introduce session keynote and PMA Chief Strategy and Membership Officer, Lauren M. Scott. Scott’s presentation will focus on innovation and collaboration and will set the table for smaller peer discussions. The session will launch right into the Foodservice Produce Expo and networking time.
The sold-out Foodservice Produce Expo will feature 125 booths. With health and plant-forward menu trends on all consumers’ minds, the Foodservice Conference & Expo is expected to provide guests with the latest products, services, menu ideas and companies that can fulfill foodservice produce needs. For those unable to attend the event in person, they can watch the general session online, see the online exhibitor directory and reach out to suppliers to learn more about their products.
“For 40 years, the PMA Foodservice Conference has brought together the vibrant produce and foodservice community to do business and gain insights and ideas to increase the use of fresh fruits and vegetables on menus,” said Scott. “After a year away, I am very excited to return to Monterey and be inspired by the innovation and collaboration operators and suppliers are known for, as well as celebrate those who make this incredible industry what it is every day.”
PMA, recognizing that foodservice buyers may not have flexibility for travel in their budgets after the last year, created an opportunity for industry members to host buyers who may not otherwise be able to travel to attend the event in person. PMA has recently updated the list of buyers who will be in attendance at Foodservice including Hello Fresh, In-N-Out Burger, Sysco Corporation, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Texas Roadhouse, Zoës Kitchen and more. Right now, registrations are showing the attendee to buyer ratio will be 2:1, with almost 33 percent of registered attendees representing buyer companies.
Registration is open for all attendees looking to attend Foodservice Conference and Expo. The event will also include other programming found on the schedule here. Programming on Wednesday, July 21 will include Buyer Sourcing Meetings and an invitation-only Happy Hour and a Half with Center for Growing Talent.
